The Mystery and Comfort of Providence

As Christians, providence is a truth we seldom mention, but a reality that is the ground of our consolation and hope. In an article in Christianity Today, Brad East unpacks some of the implications of providence.

He quotes Augustine, “The whole of creation is governed by its creator, from whom and by whom and in whom it was founded and established. And thus God’s will is the first and highest cause of all creatures and events.”

East goes on to explain that “providence is comprehensive, nothing is excluded from it. God wills some things actively, and these are ‘incontrovertibly good.’ But “God permits other things, and these are defects, errors, sufferings, or evils.” And here differences among theologians arise.

But despite their differences, all celebrate providence, for without its promise, Christians would find no consolation in a chaotic fallen world. Knowing that God works in and through all things for the good of his children (Romans 8:28) is an enormous impetus to persevere in following and serving Christ in spite of opposition, illness, or hindrances of many kinds.

East remind us that “the watchword for providence in all ages is Joseph’s response to his brothers: You intended it for evil, but God intended it for good (Gen 50:20).”

“Providence doesn’t make history easy to interpret. It makes living through it endurable.” Not only endurable but victorious because of the good news of Christ and his cross and resurrection. For he has entered history to overcome evil and lead us on in and through the murky waters of life.

“Here’s the difficult truth: The sheer fact that something has happened—that God willed or allowed it to happen—tells us nothing whatever about the thing itself. It may be a cause for celebration or lament, or, more likely a mixture of both…Sifting history” is a long game best left to its author.

Providence calls us to a life of faith, not faith in our own ability to discern the reasons for happenings, but faith in the God of providence. And “faith is the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1) nor understood.

Perhaps William Cowper described it best in his immortal hymn:

1. God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform.
He plants his footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in the dark and hidden mines,
With never-failing skill,
He fashions all his bright designs
And works his sov’reign will.

Refrain:
So God we trust in you.
O God, we trust in you.
When tears are great and comforts few,
We hope in mercies ever new,
We trust in you.

2. Oh, fearful saints, new courage take:
The clouds that you now dread
Are big with mercy and will break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace.
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

3. God’s purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour.
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan his work in vain.
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.

(article by Brad East, Christianty Today, Nov/Dec 20-24, Our Strength and Consolation, p. 84)

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Road Trip to the Ports of Lake Erie and Lake Huron, #3 — Port Rowan and the Long Point Biosphere

While summer weather sent many Ontarians headed to Muskoka and points north others flew to BC, Alberta and south into the US. I took the road less travelled—a four day road trip through South-western Ontario. In my road trip I discovered hidden gems of history and viewed fascinating but little-known parts of Ontario.

From Port Dover, my first stop, I drove along Front Road through a series of small ports, the wonderful sandy beach at Turkey Point and on to Port Rowan on Long Point Bay. Settlers arrived in this area in 1790. The inland part of this bay was largely sheltered from the wild storms that suddenly would appear on Lake Erie. During the war of 1812, American raiders burned the town and other ports along the shore.

Thousands of wooden schooners and steam-powered vessels plied the waters of Lake Erie during the 19^th century. Dozens of these were built in the Inner Long Point Bay. However, the shallow nature of the bay and the 45 km long spit of land that constitutes Long Point contributed to storms beaching many ships. Even today storms bring to the surface relics of these old ships. One great storm drove a sailable hole through Long Point enabling ships to sail into the sheltered bay. However, “blackbirds” put up false lighthouses to lure ships onto the shore so they could be looted. Since the nearest law enforcement was in London, it remained a relatively lawless area.

Port Rowan

In the sheltered bay, we find the village of Port Rowan with a much-reduced population from pioneer times. It remains a place where evidences of Erie’s maritime history are treasured.

What has not changed is the magnet this area has been to migrating birds and resident reptiles, and turtles. The marshes formed by the Long Point spit provide an ideal habitat for their sustenance. Thousands of tundra swans make their stop here on their migration north in the spring and south in the fall. Uncounted other species either reside here or stop on their journeys making it a magnet for bird watchers.

Fishermen and hunters come from far and near attracted by the enormous diversity of flora and fauna in this biosphere. A chart lists 18 distinct species of sport fish. Although the furthest part of Long Point is protected as a provincial park, cottagers have also settled along any part that is stable enough. What a fascinating time I had in Port Rowan and exploring Long Point.

I could have spent days exploring this rich biosphere, but time constraints moved me to head to my motel for the night. My stay in St. Thomas proved to be intriguing as well. (to be continued.)

(Let me know your thoughts on this subject. If you appreciate this blog, please pass it on. Further articles, books, and stories at: http://www.countrywindow.ca Facebook: Eric E Wright Twitter: @EricEWright1 LinkedIn: Eric Wright –– Eric’s books are available at: https://www.amazon.com/Eric-E.-Wright/e/B00355HPKK%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share)